If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, hamburger steak and gravy is the perfect choice. This classic dish features juicy ground beef patties smothered in rich, savory gravy — ideal for serving over mashed potatoes, rice, or noodles. Whether you’re cooking for your family or looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
What Is Hamburger Steak and Gravy?
Hamburger steak is essentially seasoned ground beef shaped into patties and cooked until browned. The magic happens when these patties are simmered in a luscious gravy made with caramelized onions, beef broth, and a few simple seasonings. The gravy adds moisture and deep flavor, making every bite tender and delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Hamburger Steaks:
– 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio works best)
– 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs (or quick oats as an alternative)
– 1 egg
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (this adds a savory depth)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Gravy:
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– 1½ cups beef broth
– 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
– Optional: browning sauce for color
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the Hamburger Steaks:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently until just combined — don’t overwork the meat to keep the patties tender.
- Form the mixture into four evenly sized patties, about 1 inch thick.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the patties for about 2 minutes on each side until nicely caramelized. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Preparing the Onion Gravy:
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced onions and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to caramelize. For a richer flavor, you can cook them until they turn a deep golden brown.
- Push the onions to the sides of the pan and add the remaining butter in the center.
- Sprinkle the flour into the melted butter and stir constantly for about 30 seconds to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Slowly whisk in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- If using, add a splash of browning sauce for color.
- Let the gravy simmer gently over medium-low heat until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Bringing It All Together:
- Return the browned hamburger steaks to the skillet, nestling them into the gravy.
- Cover the pan with a lid and simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the patties to cook through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Hamburger steak and gravy is a classic comfort food best served over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered egg noodles. The gravy soaks into these sides, making every bite extra satisfying. For a balanced meal, add a side of steamed green beans, roasted carrots, or a crisp garden salad.
Tips for the Best Hamburger Steak and Gravy
– Don’t overwork the meat: Mixing the ground beef too much can make the patties tough. Combine ingredients gently.
– Use Worcestershire sauce: It’s a secret ingredient that enhances the umami flavor of both the patties and the gravy.
– Caramelize the onions well: The sweetness and depth from caramelized onions elevate the gravy to another level.
– Adjust gravy thickness: If the gravy gets too thick, thin it with a splash of beef broth or water.
– Make it your own: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spices like Italian seasoning to customize the flavor.
Variations to Try
– Sweet and Sour Hamburger Steak: Add tomato sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and green peppers to the gravy for a tangy twist.
– Mushroom Gravy: Sauté mushrooms with the onions for an earthy, rich gravy.
– Ground Turkey Version: Substitute ground turkey for beef, using a slightly higher fat content to keep patties moist.
Hamburger steak and gravy is a delicious, affordable meal that’s simple enough for weeknights but comforting enough to feel like a special treat. With juicy patties and a savory onion gravy, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.
Enjoy your homemade hamburger steak and gravy with your favorite sides and savor every bite!